More about: The 8 Best Outdoor Activities in Venice
Venice is a city that lives in its streets and canals. With no cars or traffic noise, everything here is discovered on foot or on the water, making it a perfect destination for exploring the great outdoors. Whether you're gondola-riding, island-hopping or venturing beyond the lagoon, Venice will surprise you at every turn.
If you're looking for unforgettable plans, here are some of the best outdoor activities in Venice.
1. Gondola ride: Venice's most iconic experience
Nothing epitomises Venice better than a gondola ride. Gliding through the canals, crossing small bridges and seeing the city from the water is one of those experiences that you have to have at least once.
If you want to make it even more special, you can opt for a serenaded ride and feel like you're in a movie while a gondolier sings for you.
2. A boat tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello
Venice is not only its historic centre, but is surrounded by charming islands. Murano is famous for its blown glass, Burano for its colourful houses and Torcello for its tranquillity and history.
A boat trip in the lagoon is the best way to discover these authentic spots.
3. Sailing the Grand Canal and discovering its palaces
The Grand Canal is Venice's main avenue, but seeing it from the water is a completely different experience. From a boat, you can admire the palaces, the bridges and the daily life of the city from a unique perspective.
If you prefer a more exclusive experience, you can opt for a private boat tour on the Grand Canal and discover the more hidden canals as well.
4. Exploring the hidden side of Venice on a guided tour
Beyond St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, Venice is full of alleyways, hidden squares and corners with fascinating stories. A guided tour will allow you to get to know the city from a different perspective and discover secrets that go unnoticed to the naked eye.
For an even more special experience, you can combine it with a gondola ride at the end of the tour.
5. A Dolomites getaway between mountains and lakes
If you feel like escaping the urban environment, a trip to the Dolomites is a perfect option. This spectacular mountain landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers crystal-clear lakes, towering peaks and charming Alpine villages.
From Cortina d'Ampezzo to Lake Misurina, it's an experience that combines fresh air and unforgettable views.
6. Glass and mask workshops: Venetian art at your fingertips
Venice is a city with a strong artisan tradition, and one of the most original ways to connect with its culture is by participating in a glass-blowing or mask workshop.
You will learn about the creation process and you will be able to take home your own work of art as a souvenir. You can also complete the experience with a gondola ride to see the city from a different perspective.
7. Panoramic views from San Giorgio Maggiore Basilica
Most travellers focus on St Mark's Basilica, but across the canal is the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, a less crowded corner with one of the best views in Venice.
From its bell tower, you can see the entire city, the lagoon and its islands, a panoramic view that's hard to beat.
8. Sunset in Venice with a boat trip on the lagoon
Venice at sunset takes on a special magic. Watching the sun dye the buildings in golden tones as you sail across the lagoon is one of the most romantic and peaceful experiences you can have in the city.
If you're looking for the perfect way to end the day, a sunset boat ride is the perfect choice.